Four Scientific Payloads To Extend Understanding Of The Space Environment

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has awarded a contract to Sierra Nevada Space Systems to develop and build a next-generation science and technology demonstration satellite. Known as STPSat-5, the satellite is for the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Space Test Program (STP).

The satellite will carry a total of four scientific payloads to low-Earth orbit in order to further the DOD’s understanding of the space environment. This mission enables and supports the development of future national security space systems for the United States. STP will coordinate delivery of the payloads to SNC's Space Systems manufacturing facility in Colorado where SNC will integrate the payloads into the spacecraft and prepare it for launch. The STPSat-5 satellite is planned for launch in late 2016.

"SNC is privileged to be part of the STP team that plays such a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of critical space environment and technology issues,” said John Roth, vice president of business development for SNC’s Space Systems. “The Space Test Program has a rich history of providing support to continue our Nation's leadership in delivering enhanced space capability to protect our military men and women, which is in perfect alignment with our goals at Sierra Nevada Corporation."

The STP, managed by the U.S. Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center, is headquartered at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It has played a foundational role in the development of new space systems since 1965. STP conducts space test missions for the purpose of accelerating DOD space technology transformation and lowering development risk. To date, the program has launched nearly 150 experiments and demonstrations into space. The STPSat-5 contract is administered by NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, California.

SNC’s STPSat-5 award follows the successful July 14, 2014 launch of six advanced asset tracking satellites for the ORBCOMM Generation 2 (OG2) constellation. The satellites have completed initial on-orbit and operational testing. The remaining 11 OG2 spacecraft in the constellation are undergoing final testing in preparation for launch, which will provide a significant capability boost to ORBCOMM’s current on-orbit fleet.

FMI: www.sncorp.com